Overview of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Sales and Future Strategy
- Producer Yoshinori Kitase confirms that Square Enix is pleased with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s sales, despite mixed online views.
- The company indicates a shift away from exclusivity due to increasing development costs.
- A PC version of the game is set to launch in 2025, aiming to reach a wider audience.
The much-anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth recently debuted as a PS5 exclusive in early 2024, receiving enthusiastic reviews from critics and fans alike. Nevertheless, its performance in sales has led Square Enix to reconsider its approach to exclusivity. Kitase has emphasized that the goal is to broaden access by moving towards a multiplatform strategy for subsequent installments in the franchise.
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which saw considerable success in 2020, Rebirth’s initial launch created high expectations. However, Square Enix soon revealed that the sales figures fell below anticipated levels, resulting in a decision to adopt a more inclusive release policy for future titles.
In a recent interview with IGN Brazil, Kitase provided insights on the company’s perspective regarding the game’s performance: Despite mixed reactions online, he assured that Square Enix feels “safe and satisfied”with the sales outcomes. He elaborated that the evolving landscape of gaming necessitates a shift from previous practices, declaring that future entries in the Final Fantasy series can no longer be restricted to a single platform.
Expansion of Release Strategy for Future Final Fantasy Titles
Kitase underscored the importance of making Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth accessible to a broader player base. This philosophy is echoed by director Naoki Hamaguchi, who advocates for potential Xbox adaptations of the title. While there are no official announcements regarding Xbox versions yet, the upcoming PC launch confirmed during The Game Awards 2024 suggests a strategic pivot that may prioritize simultaneous releases across multiple platforms.
Kitase stated, “While we are confident and happy that we are reaching a certain level of sales, it is clear that with the modernity of games, we cannot be exclusive to a single platform. I think we need to offer the game to as many players as possible.”
The future of Final Fantasy titles, including potential Xbox ports for Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16, remains uncertain. However, given Square Enix’s commitment to a multiplatform release model, it is plausible that such versions are in consideration. Additionally, with the reportedly more powerful Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, it presents yet another avenue for Square Enix to expand its fanbase in diverse gaming communities. The trajectory of this multiplatform strategy will unfold over time, but immediate indications point away from a revival of timed exclusivity on PlayStation.
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